Theater: ‘Kinky Boots’ has plenty of kick

Wednesday

If the musical “Kinky Boots,” the story of a dying British shoe factory rebooted as purveyor of fetish footwear, triggers an urge to buy sexy red stilettos, just go with it.

And, while you’re at it, snap up a ticket to “Kinky Boots.” It will put a toehold on you with its fact-based story of a young man taking steps to turn around the faltering Northampton factory he inherits from his dad. There is heart and soul (sole?) aplenty in Harvey Fierstein’s book and Cyndi Lauper’s music and lyrics. The show won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical and received a hearty opening night ovation Tuesday at Emerson Colonial Theater, where it runs through May 12.

The musical rolls along pleasantly on the strength of fine performances from Kenneth Mosley and Connor Allston. As drag-queen Lola and milquetoast Charlie, respectively, the actors form a solid mismatched-buddy duo that centers the story. They are propped up by a game supporting cast, including: Ashley North as Charlie’s high-maintenance fiancée, Nicola; James May as reserved factory manager, George; James Fairchild as the brusque close-minded Don; and Karis Gallant is the spunky and lovestruck Lauren. Each actor gets a chance to shine with a peppy musical number. Gallant’s singing of “The History of Wrong Guys,” is most hysterical. But the showstopper is Lola’s delicious ensemble of Angels – six men in drag, shaking their money-makers with plenty of pep and sparkle doing back flips and splits in 4-inch heels.

In flipping from manufacturing bland, but durable loafers to pumping out stylish kicks for drag queens, Price and Son banks everything on Lola selling the “kinky” new product. As Charlie says: “Built-to-last women’s boots for women who are men.” It’s a “daft” plan, naturally.

Wearing a fire-engine-red, sequined dress, Mosley’s first song, “Land of Lola,” earned enthusiastic applause and whistling. He is the show’s spark plug, a sassy diva infusing the production with tons of energy, especially in the drag-queen numbers. He further demonstrates his range on the touching ballad, “Hold me in Your Heart.” The duet with Allston on “Not My Father’s Son” is also memorable. Mosley simply sizzles, and when he’s not on stage, it’s noticeable. As one character observes: “Whenever you leave a room there’s a great big gaping gap.”

An adaptation of the 2005 British film, the show is a joyous musical celebration about friendship, acceptance and the belief that we are stronger together – even if not all of us can walk in 4-inch heels.

Dana Barbuto may be reached at dbarbuto@patriotledger.com or follow her on Twitter @dbarbuto_Ledger.